Last Laugh, The (1924)

Last Laugh, The (1924)

“In consideration of your long service with us, we have found another position for you.”

Synopsis:
When an aging doorman (Emil Jannings) at a fancy hotel is demoted to washroom attendant, he hides this shameful fact from his family and neighbors as long as possible — but could an unexpected change in fortune be around the corner for Jannings?

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Downward Spiral
  • F.W. Murnau Films
  • German Films
  • Silent Films

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary argues that this “classic German silent film, directed without titles by F.W. Murnau”, “suffers today because of Jannings overdoing it with the self-pity and a happy ending that just doesn’t mesh with what went before.” However, he concedes that “Karl Freund’s cinematography is absolutely stunning”, noting that his “remarkable close-ups, Jannings’s dream sequence, and the opening street scene… shot through a revolving door” are “particularly impressive”. He argues that Freund’s “use of a mobile camera and his surreal effects were revolutionary”, and that “truly there are shots unlike those found in any other film”. DVD Savant’s review (of a newly restored version unavailable to Peary in 1986) provides additional insights into the movie, which he notes is often considered “the best example of German Expressionism”. He writes that “Murnau plans every shot to contrast the doorman’s proud position with his later, diminished status”, and argues that “the entire film is energized by a camera that adds its comment to each scene and each angle.” He notes that while Jannings’ performance may be “stylized”, “nothing about [it] is overwrought”, and further points out the “remarkable” set designs by Edgar G. Ulmer.

The Last Laugh is ultimately more of a cinematographic fable than a traditional full-length feature, given several factors: its rather limited narrative scope; the lack of any names given to the characters (Jannings is simply “The Hotel Doorman”); the lack of inter-titles (though written notes are occasionally used to good effect); and the admittedly “tacked on”, unrealistically happy ending. To that end, I disagree with Peary’s complaint that the epilogue “just doesn’t mesh with what went before”; instead, I see it as simply further evidence that the entire narrative is meant to be viewed from the doorman’s perspective. After all, the extreme reactions of his neighbors and family members — both to the glory of his original position, and the shame of his debasement — defy logic; therefore, the happy ending seems to nicely represent simply an extension of Jannings’ ongoing fantasies and delusions. Regardless, what’s most impressive about the film is — as both Peary and Savant point out — its visual inventiveness, making it an early classic film fanatics won’t want to miss seeing at least once.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Emil Jannings as the Hotel Doorman
  • Innovative direction
  • Karl Freund’s cinematography

Must See?
Yes, as a visually evocative silent fable by a master director and his DP.

Categories

  • Important Director

(Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die)

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One thought on “Last Laugh, The (1924)

  1. A once-must, for its place in cinema history.

    As I see it, it seems Murnau could always be counted on for visual flair as a filmmaker – but sometimes those wanting an equal balance with story (well, like yours truly) may be left wanting. Of his major films, ‘Nosferatu’, ‘Faust’ and ‘Tabu’ blend visuals with narrative rather well (in refreshingly unorthodox ways). I don’t see the same being said for ‘The Last Laugh’ or ‘Sunrise’. (I’m curious to see ‘City Girl’, which I don’t think I’ve ever seen.)

    If, as an audience member, you’re willing to place very little emphasis on story while watching ‘The Last Laugh’, what you absorb with your eyes may see you through nicely. That certainly was the case with me the first time I saw it many years ago. I never returned to the film after that first visit (until now) – and I think that’s because it not as strong as other Murnau films. One of the main weaknesses – as brought out here – is that much of the story defies logic. And that’s distracting.

    Still, Murnau plays the dual theme of aging and alienation almost like a horror film in many places. (Such a tone comes through not only visually but also via the impressive score.) And that edge does give the film some genuine power. (In other places, the film is by turns overly sentimental or over-played, or – as witness the whole final sequence – unconvincing in its inconsistency.)

    For me, the film’s lengthy opening sequence is the film at its best.

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